Western Province vs Pumas Predictions - Pumas to upset Province

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 19 May 2023

Marc Thomas 19 May 2023

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Watch Western Province vs Pumas in the Currie Cup on Friday (16:00 BST)
Western Province have lost 6 of their last 9 home matches.
Can Western Province cement their playoff hopes with a win?

Expired

Pumas can upset Province (Getty Images)

Western Province vs Pumas Predictions

Athlone Stadium hosts an intriguing battle as the Pumas travel to Western Province. Province are severely under strength as the first team is involved in the URC whilst the Pumas have taken advantage of this and have become a formidable force in the Currie Cup.

Western Province vs Pumas Predictions
Head-to-Head
Western Province Form and News
Pumas Form and News

Western Province have lost 6 of their last 9 home matches.
Pumas are unbeaten in the head-to-head in the last 2 matches.
Pumas have won 7 of their last 10 matches.
Pumas have won 3 of their last 5 away matches.

Head-to-Head

Western Province holds a 15-2 advantage in 18 encounters with one draw.

The Pumas won the last match at home by 25-24.

Western Province Form and News

The Blue and White Stripe Jersey’s have had an inconsistent season with five wins and five losses in their ten matches. They have struggled against better opponents this season.

Recent form includes a 25-24 away loss at the Pumas and a 31-7 home win over the Bulls. The Cheetahs would then beat them 26-21 in Bloemfontein.

A 25-21 away win at the Griffons was their most recent result. Province raced to a 25-0 lead in the second half before the nerves kicked in as they conceded three tries and would hold on for dear life at the end to claim the win at the end against a poor Griffons side.

The Cape Side will field a young side with the first team not available for selection. The same squad from the previous match is expected to take the field.

Pumas Form and News

The Pumas are the defending champions and have been good this season. They have won seven of their ten matches and are in second place on the table.

Results of late has seen the Pumas beat Western Province 25-24 at home and lose 26-10 at the Lions. A 45-25 home win over the Griffons succeeded these matches.

They lost 24-22 at home to the Sharks in their last match. The Pumas’ Njabulo Gumede was sent off in the first half with a red card which resulted in an uphill battle. They fought hard and were undone by an injury time try as they just couldn’t hold on with fourteen men anymore.

Njabulo Gumede is suspended but the rest of the previous match day squad is available for selection again.

Verdict

Western Province v Pumas

I am backing the Pumas to win this match. The Pumas are a settled side whilst Province have lost all their matches against sides ranked higher than them this season.